Green Vision’s COO Don McFarland then went on to present a short PowerPoint presentation reviewing some of the science behind the Hydrothermal Liquefaction process that will be used to convert bio-mass into bio-crude, and the various by products that will be available for sale. According to Mr. McFarland, “Hydrothermal Liquefaction is the same process that occurs in nature and created the oil beneath the earth’s surface. We’re going to be able to do it here in Rock Falls above ground and faster using bio-mass waste products from the City’s Wastewater facility and other sources in the region. We’ll create bio-crude from the input, along with sterile water, nitrogen, phosphorus and CO2. Those outputs will also be used for algae cultivation for use in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and energy.” McFarland further commented that the plant would involve a $13 million investment, create 108 jobs averaging wages of $42,000 per year, and produce revenues of over $40 million a year.
Mayor Wescott noted “Rock Falls is a perfect location for Green Vision International. It has the raw materials needed, access to transportation, available land for the facility, and workforce. In addition to the jobs at the plant other jobs would be created in the region including logistics, refining and processing the raw materials produced at the plant. We welcome this opportunity to bring a ‘21st Century Economy business’ to the region.”
Whiteside County Economic Development Director Gary Camarano added, “The City of Rock Falls is moving ahead on so many fronts – the Riverfront Front Revitalization Project, retail recruitment, becoming a ‘Gigabit’ community, and now bringing a cutting edge sustainable, renewable energy business into the fold. They are making Rock Falls a community that will give talented young people a reason to come and stay.”
The City and Green Vision are preparing to take next steps and move the project along to completion.
For additional information please contact:
Gary Camarano
Whiteside County
Economic Development Department
815.772.5247
gcamarano@whiteside.org
